The conference is the brainchild of breast surgeon, Dr. Linda Liu, in collaboration with medical oncologist Dr. Giraldo Kato, and now in affiliation with Solis Mammography. It offers newly diagnosed breast cancer patients a multi-disciplinary approach in order to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of disease and treatment options – all in one location, with a team of highly skilled specialists available to consult on a woman’s unique case.

The conference team is comprised of a group of well-respected doctors in the Phoenix area who are medical experts in breast cancer care, from detection to treatment to reconstruction. Team members include doctors dedicated to breast radiology, breast surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology, plastic surgery and pathology. These experts volunteer their time, coming together to explore and discuss in detail a patient’s unique history and circumstance. While not a substitution for a woman’s formal medical consultations, the conference offers expert advice on the specifics of a patient’s diagnosis, so that she may be better involved and informed in decision-making at the critical early stages of care.

The difference is in the approach

While many organizations offer “tumor boards” at treatment centers across the country, the Peace of Mind Conference is unique in two important ways:

The assessment is held pre-treatment, so the patient is aware of her options before she makes decisions about her care and treatment path.

Most importantly, the patient is an active participant, present at the conference and able to ask questions to clarify her understanding of the options presented before her.

“When I see the look on my patient’s face go from fear and confusion, to relief, after gaining a deeper understanding of her illness and a plan of action that she, herself, has been part of creating, the dynamics of her treatment and recovery are forever changed,” says Dr. Liu. “Our collaborative team combines multi-disciplinary expertise which supports patients and their families at a crucial time. We openly welcome their questions, and in working as a team to discuss and recommend solutions, the experience is hugely gratifying for both our physician team and the women we serve.”

One patient’s story: Janice Holden

Breast cancer survivor, Janice Holden, is acutely aware of the benefit of this approach, and credits the conference team for helping her better understand her cancer and treatment options in a way that enabled her to make confident decisions regarding the best action plan for her.

“Cancer is a very complicated disease,” says Holden. “And one with many treatment options to consider. Ultimately, it was up to me to sift through the information and visit various specialists before arriving at a solution I was most comfortable with. Having all of these specialists in one room was an amazing opportunity.

“Each doctor presented information specific to my case within their area of expertise, and then, as a team, they supported me in achieving consensus about the most suitable options. This helped me clarify, validate and feel in control of my choices. I got the information I needed to make decisions with confidence.”

Going into its second year, the bi-weekly Peace of Mind Conference meetings are held at Solis Mammography’s center at 11220 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 105, in Phoenix. The next conference date is Wednesday, Feb 10. A complete list of scheduled dates for 2016 can be found on this website.

The conference team is comprised of physicians representing highly-respected Phoenix area practices including Comprehensive Breast Center of Arizona, Pinnacle Oncology AZCCC, 21st Century Oncology, Arizona Center for Cancer Care, Ong Plastic Surgery, Advanced Aesthetic Associates, and TAACH Pathology. While Solis Mammography is not a member of the conference team, their active leadership in assembling and hosting this expert panel serves as a key part of their company’s promise to deliver an exceptional experience and a Peace of Mind Mammogram.™

The conference team has full authority and right to review cases for selection or decline, as deemed appropriate. In order to be qualified for patient review, a woman must meet the following criteria:

Be newly diagnosed with breast cancer

Have a referral from a treating physician or other licensed health care provider

Be familiar with and sign/accept a participation form prior to conference attendance.

Everyone involved agrees that this dimension of multi-disciplinary care is a huge advance in offering women the peace of mind they deserve at an incredibly sensitive time in their lives. That’s the ultimate goal of the conference and the doctors who volunteer to serve. The ultimate responsibility for choosing a woman’s course of treatment rests solely with the patient and her treating physician. Conference team members are not responsible for any liability, damage, cost or expense arising out of a patient’s participation in the conference.

Solis Mammography is a specialized healthcare provider focused exclusively on providing women an exceptional mammography experience. Headquartered in Addison, Texas, Solis is the nation’s largest independent provider of mammography services and currently serves five major markets across the U.S. Through its prior ownership team (Benora Imaging), Solis has been serving the Phoenix metropolitan area for more than 30 years. Today, the company provides a complete range of highly specialized breast health services including screening and diagnostic mammography (2D and 3D), computer-aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy. For more information, or to apply to the conference, visit www.SolisMammo.com/POMConference.